The Construction Skills Certificate Scheme (CSCS) has announced that it will cease renewing cards issued via Industry Accreditation (IA) from 30th June 2024.
The organisation has also announced that any IA cards issued from 1st January 2020, which will expire on 31st December 2024, will not be eligible for renewal.
The decision has been made in an effort to improve competence across the construction industry, with accreditation based solely on qualifications as opposed to employer recommendations.
What do the changes mean?
IA Cards were introduced as a way for workers to obtain CSCS cards based on the strength of an employer’s recommendation rather than obtaining an industry-recognised qualification.
CSCS actually stopped issuing new cards under IA back in 2010, however, those who already held a card on this basis were allowed to renew under the existing scheme.
As of 30th June 2024, this will no longer be the case, and anyone who needs a CSCS card — a legal requirement to work on a construction site — must hold a relevant qualification backed by an industry-recognised awarding body, such as an NVQ.
What steps do construction workers need to take to retain a CSCS card?
Those working in the industry who do not already hold an NVQ will need to complete a training course, depending on experience, and NVQ assessment.
The length of the NVQ training course you need to complete will be determined by your experience and expertise in your respective trade.
Many affected will already be working to the level required to hold an NVQ certificate, and will simply need to complete the assessment portion of the process. This usually involves providing evidence of your work to prove competence, along with a short practical and theory assessment.
Grants may also be available to cover the cost of obtaining a formal NVQ qualification, you can find out more about the support being offered to employers, along with more details on the upcoming changes, on the CSCS website.